Optimization of main parameters of tractor and unit for seeding cereal crops with regards to their impact on crop productivity

Abstract

Abstract. The article determines the weight and power of the tractor, as well as the width of the seeder and the operational speed of the tractor-seeder unit based on the new method. Using multi-cycle, multi-parameter calculations, it is revealed that the seeding operation quality could be achieved with a single combination of optimal values of the tractor weight and power, which are almost the same even within different environmental conditions. The main influence on the optimal value of the tractor weight and engine power is caused by a specific traction resistance of the seeder. For the seeder specific traction resistances ranging from 3.2 to 5.2 kN·m -1 , the optimal value of the tractor weight for seeding operations with a DMC-implement (chisel-shaped openers) is in the range from 80 to 120 kN. The required rational power varies from 200 hp up to 310 hp. The optimal seeder width is 12 m, the optimum speed of the unit is 12 km·h -1 . The nomograph is proposed for seeders with a different working width, with a different type of working elements and, accordingly, with a different traction resistance. The optimum values of the main parameters of the tractor revealed by the proposed graph will ensure minimum total energy costs for seeding, by reducing the energy costs of the lost crop. Increasing the operational speed of the seeding units leads to an increase in required power of the tractor engine, while maintaining the value of its weight.Key words: tractor, weight, power, optimization, total energy costs, mathematical model, seeder. IntroductionThe considerable attention in foreign and domestic scientific literature is paid to increase in the efficiency of use of tractors and tractor-implement units. For assessment of the efficiency of tractors and units different indicators are used -productivity, fuel usage on 1 hectare, given expenses and other indicators [1][2][3][4][5]. These indicators do not consider the influence of parameters of the equipment (technology) on the created harvest. Therefore, scientists pay considerable attention to studying of interaction of a running gear of tractors with the soil and to influence of soil compaction on the created harvest [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Operating conditions of tractors and their influence on the indicators of efficiency are investigated [16; 17]. There is a need of a system approach for justification of the parameters of tractors taking into account their influence on the created harvest.On the basis of many years of research, we developed a system mathematical model of atractor and an implement has been developed using the energy optimization criterion -total energy costs. Numerous pilot studies proved adequacy of the mathematical model of different tractor-implement units [18][19][20]. Total energy costs, in addition to direct and indirect energy costs, include the energy of the crop lost due to incorrectly selected parameters and operating modes of implements, which occupies from 40 to 80 % of the total energy costs in various operations and ...

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Theoretical justification of design and technological parameters of hulling machine main working bodies

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